We are just a few days away from the opening match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, where defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will meet runners-up of the previous edition Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 19 at Abu Dhabi in UAE.

The excitement is building up ever since IPL schedule was announced and the blockbuster season opener was confirmed between the teams who have seven titles between them. Rohit Sharma-led MI have won the title four times, while MS Dhoni-led CSK won three times. Both teams boast of several big names of international cricket.

CSK were the last of the eight teams to hit the nets after COVID-19 struck the camp leaving 13 team personnel infected, including two players Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Chahar has tested negative twice since and rejoined the team at practice on Wednesday (September 9).

ALSO READ: Deepak Chahar begins training for CSK after recovering from COVID-19

MS Dhoni is easily the most followed CSK cricketer ever and his popularity is such that fans got together outside the ICC Academy training facility in Dubai to catch a glimpse of him even though they can't get inside due to the bio-secure protocols in place for the safety of cricketers.

WATCH - MS Dhoni waves at fans after getting a loud cheer in Dubai

On Thursday, CSK shared a video clip of 'Thala' Dhoni as he is popularly called by the fans of the franchise, in which he can be seen hitting the ball out of the park facing a spinner during an intra-squad practice match while opener Murali Vijay who was fielding on the boundary reacted in awe of the shot.

Watch the shot here: